Confused about being a NP after MSN.

I'm starting a Direct-Entry MSN Program at Mount St. Joseph in Delhi, OH. I'll graduate as a generalist though. How do I become a Nurse Practioner then? I've done a tone of research and I still don't understand. I don't think this MSN has specialization tracks. Does anyone have any advise?

I'm starting a Direct-Entry MSN Program at Mount St. Joseph in Delhi, OH. I'll graduate as a generalist though. How do I become a Nurse Practioner then? I've done a tone of research and I still don't understand. I don't think this MSN has specialization tracks. Does anyone have any advise?

Thanks!

You would probably be able to do what they call a post masters NP program. Many colleges have them. I'm not sure though for those how long it takes.

Mar 10, '13

Google "NP Post Masters Certificate". You will see tons of schools that offer the degree. You can then go look at what it takes to compete the NP after your masters. Usually in a nursing masters program you take 3 classes that are also required in the NP program such as Nursing Theory, Research Methods and Policy and Ethics (I think that is the third). If you go to NP school you can transfer those credits. For example, go look at (cut and paste the following into your browser if the link doesn't work) FNP Post-Masters Certificatewhich is the curriculum for Graceland. It will take 32 months to complete this program.

I looked at your college's website and it says: "The Master of Science Degree in Nursing (MSN) program offers two specialized tracks: administration and education." So which of those are you taking?

Last edit by dottimur on Mar 10, '13
: Reason: Saw answer

Mar 10, '13

I want to be able to work in Pediatrics or Oncology, so I don't know if I want to do Administration or Education. If I get my MSN from this school does that mean that I won't be doing any clinical work? Only admin or education? I'm going to have to call them and ask I think. Thank you for the links though.

Someone I spoke with today suggested I go the BSN route, get a job, and hopefully get my employer to pay for the NP. But, I'm 42 yrs old, married with a 5 yr old and we're broke, so I need to skill-up and get a good paying job pronto.

Mar 10, '13

Neither of those MSN tracks is a CLINICAL advanced practice track.

Administration will prepare you more for a management

Education will prepare you more for teaching.

Hope that helps. Like above posters state if you want to be an NP, you will need to do a post-MSN certificate.

Since your goal is to work in oncology or peds, why not do the entry level MSN then work for a year or so (since you seem a little ambivalent) as an RN and then you will be in a better place to decide which route to take.

Mar 11, '13

Babyrowe: Are you working as an RN today?

Mar 19, '13

No, I am not an RN now. I don't have a B.A. in nursing either. The program at MSJ offers students with a non-nursing B.A. to get their MSN. Is a school with a Clinical Advance Track better?

Thank you!

Mar 20, '13

I'm from Cincinnati and I work at a local hospital here. I know someone that went through this same program, and you will have to get a separate post masters NP degree somewhere else. The person I knew had a BA in Health Sciences and went through this program and graduated and now works as an RN on a regular floor with that MSN degree. I know a few people/co-workers that went through their accelerated BSN program as well. Both programs do clinicals at the local hospitals here.

Mar 25, '13

Have those nurses have any opinions about the MSN degree program?
Thanks!